Sounds like the people that I know, who don't think it is 'tacky' to still have the lounge (sofa) covered in plastic when people sit on it!
The OCD types need to buy plastic tablecloths and not bother about the real thing. If it is yours, you should use it. I think there is no point in buying something and then keeping it for use only if visitors come. The same goes for anything you make - the relatives may not even like it and chuck it away when you're gone, so enjoy it now.